Distillation apparatus



March 14, 1961 E. A. FRIEDMAN DISTILLATION APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 6, 1957 INVENTOR.

LL/Orr 4. FR/EDMAN March 14, 1961 E. A. FRIEDMAN 2,975,107

DISTILLATION APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 6, 1957 INVENT OR. ELL/077' FR/E DMA/V DIsTniLATIoN APPARATUS Elliott A. Friedman, 3077 Hull Ave., New York, N.Y. Filed Dec. 6, 1957, ser. No. 701,242

s claims. (c1. 2oz-isz) The present invention relates to a still that is designed primarily for the distillation of sea water to obtain water and a concentrated salt-water solution and is principally concerned with a still having novel features that result in increased efficiency. The invention also involvesa novel process for distilling sea water. The still is designed for the purpose of obtaining water for general use such as drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes.

AUnited States Patent() recognized as desirable to achieve a partial vacuum or attenuation of the air over the sea Water in the main ldistillation chamber because such partial vacuum will lower the boiling point of sea water and make it possible to carry out the distillation process at a lower temperature.

With the foregoing conditions in mind, the present invention has in view as its foremost objective the provision of a process for distilling sea water; and which process is characterized by the fact that auxiliary steam is initially produced in auxiliary distillation chambers which originally are in communication with the atmosphere to exhaust substantially all the `air therefrom; whereupon the `auxiliary distillation chambers are placed in communica# tion with a main distillation chamber to evacuate the air Acontent thereof; and whereupon refrigerating apparatus is employed to condense this steam and thus yachieve. the

partial vacuum in the main distillation chamber.

Still another object of the invention is to providea method of the character indicated in which solar heat or fuel-generated heat is employed to energize the refrigeratg ing operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method of. thecharacter aforesaid in which the auxiliary `steam m'aybe cut oi from the main distillation chamberat the time the refrigerating apparatusis brought into operation or continued in use to reduce the Vpressure 'i the main distillation chamber while the refrigerating s ys'- tem is in operation. t lAnother object0 in view is to provide distillation apparatus of the character aforesaid which consists essenv tially of a main distillation chamber and -a plurality of auxiliary vacuum distillation chambers that are adapted to belinitially placed in communication with the' atmos: ph'ere, to'exha'ust all the air therefrom, then placed in communication with the main distillation cham-ber to convey the steam or vapor which is quickly generatedvin the auxiliary chambers to the main chamber and exhaust air Ifrom the latter.

- Another object -in view is to provide, in apparatus ofthe characterngted, means forinterruptingthecommunicas .nl

ICC

Patented Mar. 14, 1961 tion between the auxiliary chambers and the main distillation chamber.

Another object in view is to provide, in distillation apparatus of the type noted, a refrigerating unit that is heat energized and which has associated therewith a condensation chamber that is adapted to be placed in communication with the main distillation chamber. After the auxiliary distillation elements have been operated to 'substantially replace the air in the main distillation cham- .ber with steam, the refrigerating unit is brought into operation to condense the steam and thus attenuate the gaseous content of the space above the sea water inthe main distillation chamber to lower the effective boiling point.

While it is possible to employ just about any source of heat to operate the subject'still, the invention has particularly in mind the use of solar energy as the heating medium; and the various components of this still are particularly designed to be operated by the heat of the sun, although the invention has, as another important object, the provision of a still of the character aforesaid in'which the auxiliary vacuum chambers are heated by the combustion of a fuel. After the still h-as been brought into production b use of the refrigeratingunit as above outlined, salt-free water will be condensed in the condensing chamber of the refrigerator. In drawing off this salt-free water, it is -highly important that little or no air be 'admitted'to lthe system. Thus, another object ofthe invention is to provide, in distillation apparatus -of the type indicated, a

condensation chamber havinganauxiliary withdrawal chamber in communication therewith. As salt-free'water is produced in the condensation chamber; it willibw-into y Athis -auxiliary withdrawal chamber; and the latter is provided with an air vent. When water-is withdrawn from the latter, the air vent may be opened, at which time communication between the withdrawal chamber and the condensation chamber is cutoff. Thus, definite assurance is had that a minimum of air is admitted into the distillation system; and which air, if admitted, would have the y effect of raising the boiling point.

Various other more detailed objects and advantages 'y ofthe invention, such yas arise in connection with carrying out' the above-noted ideas in a practical embodiment. will in Apart become apparent and in partl be hereinafter stated as the description of the invention proceeds.V

The invention therefore comprises a process and ap paratus for distilling sea water by using sol-ar or fueled heat energy; and which apparatus is characterized by the presence of a main distillation chamber, a plurality of vacuum distillation `chambers adapted to be brought into communication with said main distillation chamber, a refrigerating unit energized by solar heat, and a condensation chamber associated with said refrigerating'unit and having an auxiliary withdrawal chamber'.

For afu'll and more'complete understanding of the l invention, reference may be had to the following description and accompanying drawing, wherein:V

7 Figure 1 is a side View, `partly in sectionand partly in elevation, which diagrammatically depicts the apparatus of this invention; and

Figure 2 is a similar view of a modification.

g Referring now to the drawing, a main distillation chamber is referred toin4 its entirety by the `reference character C and is defined by a casing ,having-a bottom wall 10, a cylindrical wall 1.1, and top 12. Y

In accordance with one of the main objectives of this invention, it is intended that the main distillation chamber be heated by solar energy. Thus a solar heating device is represented .at 13 as being disposed beneath the a dome-shaped bottom 10 so as to rellec't theheat -of the s un onto thisl Y 3 bottom. Obviously, the solar heating device 13 could be located to reflect heat onto any part of the chamber C where it will be most effective.

The chamber C is almost completely lled with sea water as represented at 14; and for this purpose,V a filling tube 15 is provided; and it will be noted that this tube 15 communicates with the dome 12. A valve, represented at l16, is included in tube 15 to cut ofi communication with the atmosphere after the chamber C has been filled to the proper level with the sea water 14. With the chamber C almost completely filled, there remains but little air to be evacuated to achieve the required vacutun.

ln order to enable an operator to determine the level of sea water within the chamber C, a level gauge is provided and referred to in its entirety by the reference character G. The gauge G includes a vertical transparent tube 17 that is connected at the bottom by a tube 18 to the lower portion of the chamber C and another tube 19 which communicates with the upper portion of the chamber C. A valve shown at 2t) may be included in a continuation of the tube 17 and may be employed when occasion demands to drain the chamber C so as to remove the concentrated salt solution therefrom.

Extending upwardly substantially from the mid and uppermost point of the dome-shaped top 12 is a tube 21 to which is connected a manifold coupling 22. Above this coupling 22 the tube 21 is provided with a oneway, inlet safety valve 23 of the spring biased ball-type which protects the chamber C from any damage due to the possibility of pressure therein reaching an excessively low level.

In the position of the valve member 35 depicted in the drawing, communication between the auxiliary charnber A and main chamber C is established, as through connecting valve passageways 36 and 38 and conduit 4t) connected to coupling 42 at 41. Obviously, this valve member 35 may be rotated to establish communication between the filling spout 39 and auxiliary chamber A through connecting passageways 36 and 37, as when it is required to supply the chamber A with water or to exhaust vapor from the chamber A to the atmosphere. When so operated, the valve member 35 cuts off communication between the auxiliary chamber A and main chamberA C. Both the auxiliary chamber A land B are provided with drains 8 that may be employed to drain off the concentrated `salt solution left in the chambers after distillation. Associated with the chamber A, as beneath the latter, is a heating element 32, such as a mirror to etectsolar heating of the chamber.

The auxiliary chamber B is substantially the same as chamber A with the exception that the conduit 42 which communicates with the valve casing 34 -has its upper end connected to a coupling member 43 that is included in a conduit 44, one end of which is connected to the manifold coupling 22 as indicated at 45. The other end of this conduit 44 is connected to the condensation chamber, which is now to be described. The conduit 44 is provided with cooling fins 9 which aid in the condensation operation.

The condensation chamber is referred to in its entirety by the reference character X. It comprises a flat bottom 46, a cylindrical wall 47, and a dome-*shaped top 48 to the midpoint of which is connected one end of the conduit 44.

'Ihe condensation chamberl is provided with a level gauge, represented at g, which is generally sirnilartothev level gauge G of the distillation chamber C.

Connected to the bottom 46 and depending therefrom is a tube 48 the lower end of which is connected to a withdrawal chamber W. Included in the tubeA 48 is. a valve 49. The withdrawal chamber W includes a bottom -at 50 with which communicatesa withdrawal tube 51 including a valve 52. The withdrawal chamber W also 4 has a top wall 53 that is provided with an air-vent tube 54 having a valve 55.

It is evident that, with the valve 49 open, salt-free water, such as represented at 56 in the condensation chamber X, will ow through the tube 48 into withdrawal chamber W. However, when it is desired to withdraw water from the latter, this Vvalve 49 is closed While valves 52 and 55 are opened. Thus Water is withdrawn from the tube 51 While air is admitted to the withdrawal chamber W through the tube 54.

A refrigerating unit of the type that is energized by heat is represented at R. This unit R includes an element at 57 thatis heated -by the solar reflector shown at 58, or by fueled heat. VTubes 59 and 60 extend from the element 57 to the unit R. A heat-transfer coil is represented at 61 and is shown as being disposed within the upper portion of the condensation chamber X. The upper end of the coil 61 is connected to the refrigerating unit R by a tube 62; while the lower end of the coil 61 is connected to the unit R by a tube 63. A thermostat 64 is shown as being located within the condensation chamber X and is connected by a line 65 with the refrigerating unit R to automatically control the latter.

Operation While the mode of operating the apparatus above described to achieve the process of this invention is bellieved to be obvious from the illustration of the drawing and description of parts given, it may be briefly outlined as follows.

The main distillation chamber C is first filled to a proper level with sea water 14 utilizing the tube 15 for this purpose, whereupon the valve 16 is closed. The auxiliary distillation chambers A and B are also filled to a proper level employing the filling spouts 39 for this purpose with ythe valve members 35 in position establishing communication between the auxiliary chambers A and B and the atmosphere. At the beginning of the operation, the refrigerating unit R is rendered ineffective; and no action of any consequence takes place in the condensation chamber X.

As the several distillation chambers are heated by fuel or other energy, and particularly the auxiliary distillation chambers A and B, steam is generated; and the steam from these auxiliary chambers is exhausted to the atmosphere. When substantially all the air has been exhausted from these chambers, the valves 35 are adjusted to establish communication between the auxiliary chambers A and B on the one hand, and the main distillation chamber C, on the other. Heating is now discontinued in chambers A and B, causing condensation and vvacuum in chambers A, B and C. This may be repeated until sufiicient vacuum is created in chamber C to start boiling. Valves 35 are then closed to chamber C and steam from the latter passes through the conduit 44 into the condensation chamber X.

After a substantial amount of steam has been so generated and delivered to condensation chamber X, the refrigerating unit R is automatically brought into operation by thermostat 64; or it may bel started into operation manually; and the valve members 35 are closed so as to cut off communication between the auxiliary chambers and the main distillation chamber. In this position the three-way valves 34 effect communication between the atmosphere and chambers A and B, while keeping chamber C closed to the atmosphere. The primary purpose of the thermostat is to prevent chamber X from becoming too cold and filling with ice to damage the apparatus and prevent its proper functioning.

With the refrigerating unit R effective, the cooling coil 61 will cause a condensation of the steam within the condensation chamber X; and, as this steam is so content of the latter chamber-above the sea 'water 14-is helped to be attenuated; and a condition of partial vacuum is achieved so as to lower the effective boiling point of this sea water y14. Wit-h this boiling point so low ered, the solar-heat element 13 is effective to transform the sea water l14 in the -rnain distillation chamber C into steam or vapor that is conducted through the conduit l44 to the condensation chamber X Vand there condensed Vinto pure water 56.

Once the process is brought linto operation,1the only,

solar-heating elements which are effective are those at 13 and SS-the first for the main distillation chamber and the second for the refrigerating unit. 7,; Y

It is believed that the processv of` invention is rendered particularly efficient and easily brought. into operation =by the refrigerating unit, which quickly lowers the Iboiling point of the sea water.

The modification In Figure 2 there is illustrated a modified form of the thus leaving but little air to be evacuated in getting the process started. The main distillation chamber C has the usual bottom a, which may be heated by any appropriate source of fueled energy such asrepresented at 68. A level gauge is shown at G', and comprises the vertical tube 17a that is connected to the bottom of the chamber C by tube 18a, with the manually controlled valve 20a providing a drain for removing a concentrated salt solution that is left after distillation. The upper end of the vertical tube 17a is connected to the upper portion of the chamber C by horizontal tube 19a; 4and above the joinder of the latter with the vertical tube 17a, which is represented by 4a coupling 69, there is provided a safety valve 70 of a well-known type. This safety valve 70 is indicated as desirable when fueled energy is employed.

Upstanding from Ithe top of the chamber C is the usual vertical riser tube 21a having a coupling at 22a for connecting conduit 71 with tube 21a. This tube 21a may include a valve corresponding to the valve 23 of Figure l, which is manually controlled as indicated at 72; and its upper end may be provided with `a filling spout 73.

The conduit 71 is provided with la plurality of cooling tins 74; and its lower end is connected to the upper end of a combined vacuum and distillation chamber, referred to in its entirety by the reference character V. A manually operated valve is included in the conduit 71 just above the chamber V as represented at 75.

The chamber V has a ilat bottom 76 to which heat is applied by the fueled heating device represented at 77. The chamber V also includes a cylindrical Wall 78 and a dome-shaped top 79, ,with the conduit 71 communicating `with the upper central portion thereof. At one side of this point of communication, the top 79 is provided with a filling tube 80 having a funnel 81 Aat the top and including a manually controlled valve 82. At the bottom of the cylindrical wall 78 there is a level gauge referred to Iin its entirety by the reference character g', which comprises a vertical tube 83, horizontal tubes 84 and 85, with the vertical tube 83 being continued down beyond a lower coupling member 86 to provide a discharge spout 87 that includes, a manually controlled valve 88. A heat-exchange coil lis shown at 89 as included in the chamber V. This coil 89 has one end portion 90 V turned down at its end as indicated that passes through an, opening in the flower yof` the wall 78. The end portion 91 includes a bend`,at`,92

from which upstands a vertically upstanding part 93having a spout 94 at its upper free end. The portionV 90 is at 95.V In the operation of this formof V performs two functions. In the first instance,it constitutes a vacuum chamber .which aids in initially re'mov-k i'ng air from the upper portion of the main distillation lchamber C and quickly achievinga generation ofl vapor within this chamber. After this vapor is generated and delivered. to the chamber V through the conduit 71,':the

chamber Vfthen begins -to function Yas -a condensation` rchamber when -a cooling medium is passed throughl'the yThe operation briefly is this: f

Water to'be distilled is first charged into the main distillation chamber C to a proper level as indicated at V 66. This filling action takes placeY through filling spout V through tube 80, .after which the valve 82 is closed. Y

73:v and conduit 21a.

At the beginning of the operation, the valve V72 remains open. Chamber C may be colored Y black to attract solar rays.

Water is also filled to a required level in the chamber The valve 75 is opened and the valve 72 is also opened. Heat is now applied to the bottoms of both chambers through the medium of the fueled heating sources 68 and 77. Vapor from the chamber V is now exhaustedl to the atmosphere, which eliminates air from the chambers V and C. Valve 72 is first closed, and then heat source 77 is cut off. j

As soon as the chamber V has cooled to a sufficient i degree as by using the coil 89, a vacuum'is formed in the chambers C and V. The distilling operation is now begun during which steam passes through conduit'Zla and coupling 22a to conduit 71 and aids in exhausting air from the space 67. A cooling medium is then passed through the coil 89. 'This results in a condensation of the vapor- Within the chamber V; and this action is continued. To increase the vacuum, valve 75 is closed, valve 82 opened, and heat source 77 is rekindled. .'.Valve 82 is then closed, heating source 77 is cut off, valve 75 is opened, land coil 89 is brought into operation..

In the modification of Figure'Z, the pipe 90-is shown i at a level higher than that of pipe 91. However, this position may be reversed and the pipe placed on the lower level and the pipe 91 on the higher level.

While preferred specic embodiments of the invention are hereinbefore set forth, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact steps, mechanisms, and arrangements illustrated and described, f

1. In distillation apparatus, a relatively large mainv distillation chamber, a heating element operatively associated with said main distillation chamber, a plurality ofA relatively small auxiliary distillation chambers, a heating element operatively associated with each of said auxiliary v chambers, whereby the contents of said auxiliary cham-` bers are more quickly raised to'vaporization temperature by a limited quantity of heat, conduits communicating directly between the upper regions of said auxiliary charn-V v bers and said main chamber, an outlet connected to each of sa1d conduits in communication therewith, a threeway control valve in each of said conduits in communication with the respective outlet for selectively venting heated vapor from said Iauxiliary chambers, passing heated vapor from said auxiliary chambers to said main chamber for accelerating temperature rise in the latter,

and closing said auxiliary chambers, a condensation chamber out of heat-exchanging relation with said main l distllation chamber, `a heat-energized refrigerating unit having a heat-exchange coil within said condensation chamber, a heating element for said refrigerating unit, i

the sau, the chamber and a conduit communicating between the upper regions of said condensation chamber `and said main distillation chamber, for passing vaporfrom said main chamber to said condensation chamber for condensation thereof to lower pressure in said main chamber and lower the boiling point of the contents thereof.

2. In the distillation of sea water, the method comprising the steps of: partially tilling a main distillation chamber with Water, partially lling an auxiliary/distillation chamber with water, applying heat to bothof said chambers to generate 4Watenvapor in the upper chamber regions and at the same time exhausting said vapor to the atmosphere, establishing communicatio'nfbetween the upper regions of said 'auxiliary chamber and said main chamber with said auxiliary and main chambers closed to the atmosphere, establishing communication between the upper regions of Asaid main chamber and a condensation chamber to pass vapor from said main chamber to said condensation chamber, and refrigerating vapor in said condensation chamber to condense the Vsame and create a partial vacuum in said main chamber at the same time interruptingcommunication between said auxiliary and main chambers.

3. In the distillation of sea water, the method comprising the steps of: simultaneously heating main and auxiliary distillation chambers having their upper regions in communication to generate water vapor that partially replaces air in said main distillation chamber, closing said main distillation chamber to the atmosphere, refrigerating vapor from said main distillation chamber to condense the same to creat a partial vacuum in said main distillation chamber at the same time interrupting communication between said main and auxiliary chambers, and withdrawing condensed vapor as purified water.

4. In the distillation of sea water, the method comprisingthe steps of: applying solar heat to a main distillation chamber with a plurality of auxiliary distillation chambers having their upper regions in communication -with the main chamber to generate water vapor that partially replaces air in said main distillation chamber,

` closing said main and auxiliary chambers to atmosphere,

passing vapor from said main chamber to a condensation chamber while maintaining said main chamber closed to the atmosphere, refrigerating vapor in said condensation chamber to condense the same to create a partial vacuum in said main distillation chamber, interrupting communication between said auxiliary distillation chambers and said main chamber, continuing thefheating of said main distillation chamber and said condensing of vapor therefrom, and withdrawing purified water from said condensation chamber.

5. In distillation apparatus, a main distillation chamber, a heating element operatively associated `with said main distillation chamber, a plurality of auxiliary distillation chambers, a heating element operatively associated with each of said auxiliary chambers, conduits directly communicating between the upper regions of said auxiliary chambers and said main chamber, an outlet connected to each of said conduits in communication therewith, a three-way control valve in each of said con` duits and communicating with a respective outlet for selectively venting heated vapor from said auxiliary chambers, passing heated vapor from said auxiliary chambers to said main chamber for accelerating temperature rise in the latter, and closing said auxiliary chambers, a

Vcondensation chamber out of heat-exchanging relation with said main distillation chamber, a heat-energized refrigerating unit having a heat-exchange coil within said condensation chamber, a heating element for said refrigerating unit, a thermostat in said condensation chamber and connected to said refrigerating unit to automati cally control operation of the latter, and a conduit communicating between the upper region of said condensation chamber and said main distillation chamber for passing vapor from said main chamber to said condensation chamber for condensation therein to lower pressure in said main chamber and lower the boiling point of the contents thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 415,133 Wood Nov. 12, 1889 1,076,410 Dunnam Oct. 21, 1913 1,087,907 Publicker Feb. 17, 1914 1,109,794 Sellers Sept. 8, 1914 1,268,233 Furman June 4, 1918 1,496,392 Todd June 3, 1924 2,487,884 Lunt Nov. 15, 1949 

1. IN DISTILLATION APPARATUS, A RELATIVELY LARGE MAIN DISTILLATION CHAMBER, A HEATING ELEMENT OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID MAIN DISTILLATION CHAMBER, A PLURALITY OF RELATIVELY SMALL AUXILIARY DISTILLATION CHAMBERS, A HEATING ELEMENT OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH EACH OF SAID AUXILIARY CHAMBERS, WHEREBY THE CONTENTS OF SAID AUXILIARY CHAMBERS ARE MORE QUICKLY RAISED TO VAPORIZATION TEMPERATURE BY A LIMITED QUANTITY OF HEAT, CONDUITS COMMUNICATING DIRECTLY BETWEEN THE UPPER REGIONS OF SAID AUXILIARY CHAMBERS AND SAID MAIN CHAMBER, AN OUTLET CONNECTED TO EACH OF SAID CONDUITS IN COMMUNICATION THEREWITH, A THREEWAY CONTROL VALVE IN EACH OF SAID CONDUITS IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE RESPECTIVE OUTLET FOR SELECTIVELY VENTING HEATED VAPOR FROM SAID AUXILIARY CHAMBERS, PASSING HEATED VAPOR FROM SAID AUXILIARY CHAMBERS TO SAID MAIN CHAMBER FOR ACCELERATING TEMPERATURE RISE IN THE LATTER, AND CLOSING SAID AUXILIARY CHAMBERS, A CONDENSATION CHAMBER OUT OF HEAT-EXCHANGING RELATION WITH SAID MAIN DISTILLATION CHAMBER, A HEAT-ENERGIZED REFRIGERATING UNIT HAVING A HEAT-EXCHANGE COIL WITHIN SAID CONDENSATION CHAMBER, A HEATING ELEMENT FOR SAID REFRIGERATING UNIT, AND A CONDUIT COMMUNICATING BETWEEN THE UPPER REGIONS OF SAID CONDENSATION CHAMBER AND SAID MAIN DISTILLATION CHAMBER, FOR PASSING VAPOR FROM SAID MAIN CHAMBER TO SAID CONDENSATION CHAMBER FOR CONDENSATION THEREOF TO LOWER PRESSURE IN SAID MAIN CHAMBER AND LOWER THE BOILING POINT OF THE CONTENTS THEREOF. 